'Air Raid' explosive with 2 quarterbacks, Green and Gouker, at the controls

The Downey High School football team defeated the East Union Lancers on Friday night at Chuck Hughes Stadium, 39-19.

Downey’s fast-paced offense was a challenge and there were several keys plays that led to the Knights’ season-opening victory.

Freshman Beau Green made his varsity debut, throwing two touchdowns. He also ran in a score, confirming his place among the elite quarterbacks in his class.

Not to be outdone, junior Bryce Gouker threw three touchdowns of his own to keep the battle going at least one more week.

“I’ll grade them out and check it out,” Downey coach Jeremy Play said. “They played well tonight. It’s working right now, but it’s not my long-term goal. One will separate eventually, but they’re both playing so well right now. I can’t find a reason not to play one of them.”

East Union had a tough time executing. They turned the ball over on downs three times in the red zone and suffered from defensive lapses that led to three long touchdown receptions by Anderson Grover in the first half.

East Union had some bright spots. Running back Raylen Carter had two 30-yard touchdown runs. One came on a broken play in which EU quarterback Eric Morales rolled to his right and lofted a pass into the front corner of the end zone late in the first half.

Carter’s second touchdown came on an impressive play in which he surged through the hole before veering to the sideline to gain separation.

Another glimmer of hope was JoJo Espinosa’s second-half stint at quarterback as an in-game adjustment. His versatility gave the offense more options.

This article was written by Manteca High senior Joey Santos. Follow him on Twitter @JLSantos27.